Senior Surgical Care Practitioner

Job summary

Robotic-Assisted Surgery (RAS) in the trust, specifically Guy's and St. Thomas' Hospital perform over eight hundred cases annually. We have six RAS theatres on both sites including Nuffield operating theatre and HCA. Further, the Trust has three different robotic platforms: Intuitive Surgical (Da Vinci), Cambridge Medical Robotics (CMR) and Hugo Medtronics. There is a total of eight robotic platforms in the Trust. Currently the SCPs covers Urology - (Prostate, Bladder, Kidney); Renal (Donor Nephrectomy and Transplant ); Thoracic; Gynaecology, Colorectal, Upper and Lower GI.

We are thrilled to announce an incredible opportunity for a qualified Surgical Care Practitioner to join our dynamic team.

For further information please email Ramesh Thurairaja ( or Anne Manalaysay (

Closing Date: 1st of December 2024

Proposed Interview Date: 12th of December 2024

Main duties of the job

Working under the direct supervision of surgeon ( Urology, Renal, Colorectal, Gynaecology, Thoracic, and Upper GI.

The successful applicants will assist fellows, senior and junior clinicians during robotic surgery.

The successful candidate should have experience of bedside assisting during robotic surgery although support and training can be given where required.

About us

Guy's and St Thomas' is among the UK's busiest and most successful NHS foundation trusts. We provide a full range of hospital and community services for people in south London and as well as specialist care for patients from further afield including cancer, renal, orthopaedic, respiratory and cardiovascular services.

In February 2021 the Royal Brompton and Harefield joined Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, bringing together world-leading expertise in the care and research of heart and lung disease. Our merger provides a once in a generation opportunity to build a lasting, world-renowned heart and lung centre, providing the highest quality care for patients and conducting world-leading research.

Patients are at the heart of everything we do and we pride ourselves on ensuring the best possible patient experience as well as safe, high quality care. We are proud to have one of the lowest mortality rates in the NHS. Following a comprehensive Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspection in 2019 we maintained our overall rating of 'good'. Our adult community services achieved a rating of 'outstanding'.

Job description

Job responsibilities

Clinical Responsibilities

In conjunction with the Consultant Surgeon and local guidelines the post holder will:

A. Pre-operative

To display X-rays, CT scans or PET scans and help interpret the results.

Provide effective pre-operative assessment of the surgical patient; including history taking, physical examination, requesting diagnostic procedures or clinical investigations then interpreting and acting upon the results.

Liaise with medical, theatre, SAL, ward and clerical staff to support coherent service provision and smooth patient journey to the operating theatre.

To consent and mark surgical patients when necessary with an understanding of competence and the legal scope of the Surgical Care Practitioner.

Lead in the promotion of patient centered care by providing accurate information relevant to their care.

Act as an advocate for patients which ensures a patient orientated approach to the delivery of care.

Direct, support, encourage and advise clinical team, by actively participating in the pre-operative team brief providing specialist clinical and surgical advice to facilitate the smooth running of the theatre list, including how to prepare for non-routine steps.

Co-ordinate the provision of specialist services to patients, effectively liaising with multidisciplinary colleagues including radiology, frozen section pathology and haematology

B. Peri-operative

To have superior expertise in the following duties:

Positioning the patient for robotic surgery, with awareness of how to prevent avoidable operative injuries relating to skin, muscles and nerves.

Skin preparation and draping for robotic surgery

Prepping, draping, positioning and handling a range of surgical robots (da Vinci X, Xi; CMR Versius; Medtronic Hugo)

Creating skin incisions; with awareness of how to accommodate variances in patient anatomy, physiology and body habitus to optimise robotic surgery

Dissection of tissues using surgical instruments with a superior degree of manual dexterity

Confident handling of energy and stapling devices

Effective surgical haemostasis for cases with a high level of complexity

Application of local anaesthetic, including the siting of paravertebral catheters, and administration of intercostal blocks

Confident insertion of a variety of different surgical drains

Suturing of all surgical wounds, even those with a high degree of complexity with emphasis on elimination of risks of infection

Applying dressings to wounds and compression bandages

Ensure that patients customs, religious beliefs and doctrines are respected within the theatre setting, ensuring patient dignity at all times.

Actively promote and participate in the WHO check list and time out before surgery.

Take, promote and lead on the use of universal hygiene precautions to minimize the risk of infections to the patient, the surgical team, and other staff.

Act as a role model, demonstrating high standards of care and providing clinical leadership in the operating theatre

Actively participate as a first assistant for a variety of complex robotic surgeries providing tissue retraction, applying suction, diathermy, maintaining a clear surgical field, applying haem-o-lock clips or liga clips, using a manual stapler and energy devices.

Anticipate routine and non-routine steps before and during the procedure to provide a high level of support to consultants and surgical fellows.

Teach, supervise and support surgical trainees and trainee SCPs to first assist during robotic surgery, providing skilled and consistent advice and assistance within the operating theatre under the direction of a consultant surgeon.

Be responsible for assessing and recognising emergencies; interpreting information, taking appropriate action and leading others to do the same.

Have obtained advanced knowledge and surgical expertise within a specialist robotic area and be continuing towards excellence through regular education and/or participation in clinical skills labs.

Work autonomously with proximal supervision of a Consultant, delivering individualised and personalised direct patient care when necessary.

Peri-operative

Assist other team members to participate in the safe transferring and positioning of the patient.

Ensure clear, detailed and regular communication within the department and Recovery to ensure a smooth handover.

Maintain accurate surgical patient recordsEnsure the correct labelling of specimens has been undertaken and documented.

Ensure faulty equipment is isolated from use, using the appropriate label, and report to a responsible person.

Document any incidents within quality and safety systems. Actively participate in the investigation and management of reported incidents.

Support relevant pre, peri and post procedural data capture for robotic surgery

Provide a clear, concise and effective handover to Recovery, highlighting specific post-operative concerns and specific pathways.

Arrange appropriate post-operative investigations as part of the multidisciplinary team to enhance patient safety, to facilitate patient- centered care and contribute to the smooth running of the hospital.

Post Operative

To participate in the postoperative assessments of patients with particular attention to wound care, surgical drains and catheter management.

The above is not the exhausted list of the job description; for the detailed JD, please find the attached document.

Person Specification

Education

Essential

Master's Degree in Surgical Care Practitioner Course Registered Nurse Mentorship Course Evidence of continuing professional development

Desirable

Leadership Course

Previous Experience

Essential

Extensive experience with surgical specialites Experience as a surgical first assistant in Robotic Surgery Experience in supervising Trainees as surgical first assistant in Robotic Surgery Experience of working autonomously at an advanced level within the specialist area Ability to clinically lead and manage staff

Skills Knowlege and Ability

Essential

Experience of audit, research and evidence based care Experience of resource and budget Management Knowledge of quality standards & NICE recommendations/NSF Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal & communication skills Time and organisation skills

Desirable

Ability to conduct and evaluate own projects successfully

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